Steering Wheel With Fixed Eccentric Center Hub

ABSTRACT

A steering system for an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The steering system includes a steering column assembly, a steering wheel assembly secured to the steering column assembly, the steering wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel frame, a steering wheel rim, and a hub, and an emulator enclosed within a housing, the emulator secured to the steering column assembly. The steering wheel frame and the hub are stationary and the steering wheel rim rotates relative to the steering wheel frame and the hub.

INTRODUCTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of vehicles and,more specifically, to steering wheels and steering columns for motorvehicles.

Steering columns for motor vehicles are often provided with mechanismsfor adjusting the steering column's position by an operator of the motorvehicle. Available adjustments typically include a tilt or rakeadjustment in which an angular position of the steering column ischanged relative to the operator, and a telescoping adjustment in whichthe steering column is extended toward the operator or moved away fromthe operator.

For autonomously or semi-autonomously driven vehicles, a steering wheelthat extends into the passenger compartment may be unnecessary and/or inthe way of the passengers. Additionally, the position of themotor/emulator along the steering shaft, and the resulting gearreduction mechanism between the motor/emulator and the steering wheel,affects packaging and size requirements.

SUMMARY

Embodiments according to the present disclosure provide a number ofadvantages. For example, embodiments according to the present disclosureintegrate a center-stationary steering wheel into a long, telescopingsteering column such that when the steering wheel is stowed, thesteering wheel fits into a hollow space in the dashboard, allowing theoperator to view vehicle information while enabling better utilizationof the space within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The gearreduction mechanism between the steering wheel rim and motor/emulatorreduces the size requirement of the motor/emulator, improving vehiclepackaging space.

In one aspect, a steering system for an automotive vehicle includes asteering column assembly, a steering wheel assembly secured to thesteering column assembly, the steering wheel assembly comprising asteering wheel frame, a steering wheel rim, and a hub, and an emulatorenclosed within a housing, the emulator secured to the steering columnassembly. The steering wheel frame and the hub are stationary and thesteering wheel rim rotates relative to the steering wheel frame and thehub.

In some aspects, the emulator comprises a gear set configured totransfer torque from the emulator to the steering wheel rim.

In some aspects, the steering wheel assembly further includes aplurality of bearings positioned between the steering wheel rim and thesteering wheel frame such that the steering wheel rim rotates relativeto the steering wheel frame on the plurality of bearings.

In some aspects, the steering wheel frame is circular.

In some aspects, the steering wheel frame is oval.

In some aspects, the gear set includes at least a first gear coupled tothe steering wheel rim and a second gear coupled to the emulator suchthat a reduction gear mechanism is applied between the emulator and thesteering wheel rim.

In some aspects, the emulator is positioned adjacent to the steeringwheel assembly.

In some aspects, the hub is eccentrically positioned relative to thesteering wheel frame.

In another aspect, an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of vehiclewheels, a steering system including a steering column assembly, asteering wheel assembly secured to the steering column assembly, thesteering wheel assembly including a steering wheel frame, a steeringwheel rim, and a hub, and an emulator enclosed within a housing, theemulator coupled to the steering column assembly. The steering wheelframe and the hub are stationary and the steering wheel rim rotatesrelative to the steering wheel frame and the hub. The steering wheelassembly is positionable between a stowed position and an unstowedposition. The steering system is connected to the vehicle wheels forsteering the vehicle wheels.

In some aspects, the emulator includes a gear set configured to transfertorque from the emulator to the steering wheel rim.

In some aspects, the steering wheel assembly further includes aplurality of bearings positioned between the steering wheel rim and thesteering wheel frame such that the steering wheel rim rotates relativeto the steering wheel frame on the plurality of bearings.

In some aspects, the steering wheel frame is circular.

In some aspects, the steering wheel frame is oval.

In some aspects, the gear set includes at least a first gear coupled tothe steering wheel rim and a second gear coupled to the emulator suchthat a reduction gear mechanism is applied between the emulator and thesteering wheel rim.

In some aspects, the emulator is positioned adjacent to the steeringwheel assembly.

In some aspects, the hub is eccentrically positioned relative to thesteering wheel frame.

In some aspects, the automotive vehicle further includes an instrumentpanel including a groove, wherein the steering wheel assembly fitswithin the groove when the steering wheel assembly is in the stowedposition.

In some aspects, the steering wheel rim does not rotate relative to thesteering wheel frame when the steering wheel assembly is in the stowedposition.

In some aspects, the instrument panel further includes an instrumentdisplay, and wherein the steering wheel frame at least partiallysurrounds the instrument display when the steering wheel assembly is inthe stowed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be described in conjunction with thefollowing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle having a steeringsystem, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side perspective view of a steering system,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic rear perspective view of the steering system withnon-traditional switch driver controls of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic rear perspective view of a steering system withtraditional switch driver controls, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic rear perspective view of a steering wheelassembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic front perspective view of a vehicle dashboard anda steering wheel assembly with non-traditional switch driver controls inan unstowed configuration, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front perspective view of the vehicle dashboardand the steering wheel assembly with non-traditional switch drivercontrols of FIG. 6 illustrating the steering wheel assembly in a stowedconfiguration, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic front perspective view of a vehicle dashboard anda steering wheel assembly with traditional switch driver controls,illustrating the steering wheel assembly in an unstowed configuration,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic front perspective view of the vehicle dashboardand the steering wheel assembly with traditional switch driver controls,of FIG. 8 illustrating the steering wheel assembly in a stowedconfiguration, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a steering wheel assembly,according to an embodiment.

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomemore fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding thatthese drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with thedisclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, thedisclosure will be described with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings. Any dimensions disclosedin the drawings or elsewhere herein are for the purpose of illustrationonly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to beunderstood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examplesand other embodiments can take various and alternative forms. Thefigures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggeratedor minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand,various features illustrated and described with reference to any one ofthe figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or moreother figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustratedor described. The combinations of features illustrated providerepresentative embodiments for typical applications. Variouscombinations and modifications of the features consistent with theteachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particularapplications or implementations.

Certain terminology may be used in the following description for thepurpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. Forexample, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to directions in thedrawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front,” “back,”“left,” “right,” “rear,” and “side” describe the orientation and/orlocation of portions of the components or elements within a consistentbut arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to thetext and the associated drawings describing the components or elementsunder discussion. Moreover, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,”and so on may be used to describe separate components. Such terminologymay include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof,and words of similar import.

In the execution of steer-by-wire technology, steering feel emulatorsprovide torque feedback to the driver to compensate for the lack ofmechanical connection between the steering wheel and the road wheels.Embodiments discussed herein integrate a center-stationary steeringwheel into a telescoping steering column for use by a steer-by-wireand/or autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. The steering wheel havinga fixed eccentric hub can be stowed within the instrument paneldashboard when not in use to increase the amount of usable space withinthe passenger compartment while also allowing the operator to easilyreview vehicle information displayed on the instrument panel.

In some embodiments, a steering emulator is located directly behind thesteering wheel, reducing space and packaging costs. Furthermore, thegear reduction mechanism between the emulator and steering wheel reducesthe emulator torque requirement as compared to a direct drive emulator,allowing for a smaller motor/emulator size with associated savings inpower and packaging costs.

With reference to FIG. 1, a vehicle 100 is shown that includes asteering system 112 in accordance with various embodiments. Although thefigures shown herein depict an example with certain arrangements ofelements, additional intervening elements, devices, features, orcomponents may be present in an actual embodiment. It should also beunderstood that FIG. 1 is merely illustrative and may not be drawn toscale.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 generally includes a chassis 104,a body 106, front wheels 108, rear wheels 110, a steering system 112,and a control system 116. The body 106 is arranged on the chassis 104and substantially encloses the other components of the vehicle 100. Thebody 106 and the chassis 104 may jointly form a frame. The wheels108-110 are each rotationally coupled to the chassis 104 near arespective corner of the body 106.

As can be appreciated, the vehicle 100 may be any one of a number ofdifferent types of automobiles, such as, for example, a sedan, a wagon,a truck, or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may be two-wheel drive(2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive(4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The vehicle 100 may also incorporate anyone of, or combination of, a number of different types of propulsionsystems, such as, for example, a gasoline or diesel fueled combustionengine, a “flex fuel vehicle” (FFV) engine (i.e., using a mixture ofgasoline and ethanol), a gaseous compound (e.g., hydrogen or naturalgas) fueled engine, a combustion/electric motor hybrid engine, and anelectric motor.

In some embodiments, the steering system 112 includes a steering columnassembly 118 and a steering wheel assembly 120. In various embodiments,the steering system 112 is a steer-by-wire system that makes use ofelectric motors to provide steering assist, sensors to measure steeringwheel angle and torque applied by the operator, and a steering wheelemulator to provide torque feedback to the driver.

In various embodiments, the steering system 112 includes a motor 122that is coupled to the steering system 112, and that provides force tothe road wheels 108. The motor 122 can be coupled to the rotatable shaftof the steering column assembly 118. The steering system 112 furtherincludes one or more sensors that sense observable conditions of thesteering system 112. In various embodiments, the steering system 112includes a torque sensor 124 and a steering angle sensor 126. The torquesensor 124 senses a rotational torque applied to the steering system byfor example, a driver of the vehicle 100 via the steering wheel assembly120 and generates torque signals based thereon. The steering anglesensor 126 senses a rotational position of the steering wheel 120 andgenerates position signals based thereon.

The control system 116 receives the sensor signals and monitorsoperation of the steering system 112 based thereon. In general, thecontrol system 116 receives the torque sensor signals, and processes thetorque sensor signals over a certain time period to determine the forceto apply to the road wheels. In some embodiments, the control system 116is coupled to the steering column assembly 118.

FIGS. 2-10 illustrate a fixed eccentric hub steering system 212,according to several embodiments. The steering system 212 includes asteering column assembly 218 and a steering wheel assembly 220. In someembodiments, the steering wheel assembly 220 includes a steering wheelframe 242, a steering wheel rim 244, and a steering wheel hub 246. Insome embodiments, the steering wheel frame 242 is an interior,stationary frame that does not rotate with the steering wheel rim 244.In some embodiments, the steering wheel rim 244 rotates relative to thesteering wheel frame 242. In some embodiments, the hub 246 is stationaryand does not rotate. The steering wheel frame 242, the steering wheelrim 244, and the hub 246 are discussed in greater detail herein.

In some embodiments, a motor/emulator 254 is mounted directly behind thesteering wheel assembly 220. In some embodiments, the motor/emulator 254is coupled anywhere along the rotatable shaft of the steering columnassembly 218. The motor/emulator 254 includes a housing 255 having anoutside surface 256 and a tilt connection portion 258. The tiltconnection portion 258 connects at a tilt pivot point 260 to thesteering column assembly 218 to allow the operator to tilt the steeringwheel assembly 220 to a desired angle. In some embodiments, the housing255 of the motor/emulator 254 houses a reduction gear mechanismconfigured to reduce the emulator torque requirement.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the outside surface 256 of theemulator housing 255 includes a plurality of touch-sensitive drivercontrols 262 integrated into the housing. In some embodiments, thecontrols are displayed on a heads-up display (HUD) to the operator. Thetouch sensitive driver controls 262 allow the operator to convenientlycontrol various functions such as, for example and without limitation,turn signals and windshield wash fluid and wipers with one or morefingers as the steering wheel rim 244 rotates. In some embodiments,additional touch sensitive controls 264, 266 can be located on a side ofthe housing 255 or on any other location on the steering wheel assembly220 to allow the operator to stow the steering wheel assembly 220 withinthe instrument panel, as discussed herein, and/or to tilt the steeringwheel assembly 220 about the tilt pivot point 260 to a desired tiltangle.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the emulator 224 includes aplurality of driver switch controls 362. The driver switch controls 362allow the operator to control various functions such as, for example andwithout limitation, turn signals and windshield wash fluid and wipersusing a lever operation as is known.

The steering wheel assembly 220 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 5.The stationary steering wheel frame 242 supports the fixed hub 246. Thesteering wheel frame 242 and hub 246 are supported by the steeringcolumn assembly 218 but do not rotate with the steering wheel rim 244.In some embodiments, the steering wheel frame 242 and hub 246 areconnected together underneath the hub 246. In some embodiments, thesteering wheel frame 242 and hub 246 are attached to the housing 255 ofthe motor/emulator 254.

In some embodiments, the frame 242 defines a substantially circularopening 241. In other embodiments, the frame 242 defines other openingshapes, such as oval. The hub 246 is eccentrically and not centrallylocated within the opening 241 defined by the steering wheel frame 242,that is, a longitudinal axis passing through the hub 246 is parallel toa longitudinal axis passing through the center of the opening 241. Thehub 246 houses a supplemental restraint system, such as an air bagmodule, for deployment in the event of a vehicle impact. Because the hub246 is stationary, that is, the hub 246 does not rotate with thesteering wheel, the air bag module remains in the same orientationrelative to the cabin of the vehicle 100 when it is activated. Locatingthe hub 246 offset from the axis of the steering wheel frame 244

The rim 244 is a rotatable surface at least partially covering the frame242. In some embodiments, the rim 244 is a flexible material covering atleast a portion of the frame 242. In some embodiments, the rim 244 is arigid material covering at least a portion of the frame 242. In someembodiments, the steering wheel assembly 220 includes a plurality ofbearings 243 disposed between the frame 242 and the rim 244. Thebearings 243 allow the rim 244 to rotate smoothly over the outer surfaceof the frame 242.

In some embodiments, a gear set 270 is coupled with the rim 244 and withan output shaft of the motor 257 of the emulator 254. In someembodiments, the gear set 270 is an inside engaged gear set. The gearset 270 consists of a common shaft 272 with two gears 274, 276 attachedto the ends of the shaft 272. Teeth on an outer edge of the gear 276mesh with internal gear teeth on the steering wheel rim 244. Emulatortorque feedback can be transferred to the steering wheel rim through thegear set 270. Teeth on an outer edge of the gear 274 mesh with an outputshaft of the motor 257.

The reduction gear mechanism of gear set 270 between the emulator 254and the steering wheel rim 244 allows for a decreased emulator torquerequirement. The decreased emulator torque requirement further resultsin a smaller emulator size, both in packaging size and power output,providing additional benefits in cost and mass savings.

The emulator 254 receives steering information from the operator via therim 244 and the gear set 270 and provides torque feedback to theoperator via the gear set 270 and the rim 244 to provide a steering feelfor the steer-by-wire vehicle 100. The gear ratio between the motor 257and the rotatable steering wheel rim 244 reduces the emulator torquerequirement as compared with a direct drive emulator. The decreasedtorque requirement reduces the size of the motor/emulator 254 forimproved packaging options.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the steering column is stowed, thesteering wheel assembly 220 fits into a dedicated hollow space in thedashboard. FIG. 6 illustrates the steering wheel assembly 220 in anunstowed configuration. As discussed herein, the motor/emulator 254 isdirectly behind the steering wheel assembly 220 rather than separatedfrom the steering wheel assembly 220 by the steering column. In someembodiments, the dashboard 280 of the vehicle 100 includes a hollowedout groove 281. The groove 281 is configured to receive the frame 242,rim 244, and hub 246 of the steering wheel assembly 220. In someembodiments, the groove 281 is defined by a curved surface 282 that isopen to the cabin of the vehicle 100 to receive the steering wheelassembly 220 when a command to stow the assembly 220 is received. Atleast a portion of the groove 281 is configured to receive the frame 242and rim 244 of the assembly 220 while a lower portion of the groove 281is configured to receive the motor/emulator 254 and the hub 246.

FIG. 6 illustrates the steering wheel assembly 220 in a stowedconfiguration. In some embodiments, when the steering wheel assembly 220and motor/emulator 254 are stowed within the groove 281 in the dashboard280, the steering assembly 220 is substantially flush with an exteriorsurface 285 of the dashboard 280. The smaller size of the emulator 254reduces the amount of space within the dashboard 280 that is needed toreceive the emulator 254 when the steering assembly 220 is in the stowedposition, reducing cost. Since the hub 246 is eccentrically located onthe steering wheel frame 242, an instrument cluster opening 286 isvisible both when the steering assembly 220 is in the stowed positionand when it is in the unstowed position. In some embodiments, theinstrument cluster opening includes a display that electronicallydisplay vehicle information including for example and withoutlimitation, a vehicle speed, an engine oil temperature, and a vehiclefuel level.

When the steering wheel assembly 220 is in the stowed position, thesteering wheel rim 244 does not rotate. Furthermore, in someembodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 2-7, the steering wheelassembly 220 does not include spokes that can be used by the operator toidentify the road wheel angle. In some embodiments, markings on thecluster or on the rim can help the operator identify the position of theroad wheel angle (that is, whether the tires of the vehicle are orientedin a straight direction or otherwise positioned).

In some embodiments, due to the symmetric shape of the steering wheelframe and a lack of spokes, the steering wheel and the road wheel anglecan be easily synchronized when the steering wheel rim is at any pointof rotation about the steering wheel frame.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate the steering wheel assembly 320, shown in FIG. 4,in both an unstowed and a stowed configuration. FIG. 8 illustrates thesteering wheel assembly 320 in an unstowed position. In someembodiments, the dashboard 280 of the vehicle 100 includes a hollowedout groove 381. The groove 381 is configured to receive the frame 342,rim 344, one or more driver switch controls 362, and hub 246 of thesteering wheel assembly 320. In some embodiments, the groove 381 isdefined by a curved surface 382 that is open to the cabin of the vehicle100 to receive the steering wheel assembly 320 when a command to stowthe assembly 320 is received. At least a portion of the groove 381 isconfigured to receive the frame 342, rim 344, and one or more driverswitch controls 362 of the assembly 320 while a lower portion of thegroove 381 is configured to receive the motor/emulator 254 and the hub246.

FIG. 9 illustrates the steering wheel assembly 320 in a stowedconfiguration. In some embodiments, when the steering wheel assembly 320and motor/emulator 254 are stowed within the groove 381 in the dashboard280, the steering assembly 320 is substantially flush with an exteriorsurface 285 of the dashboard 280. The smaller size of the emulator 254reduces the amount of space within the dashboard 280 that is needed toreceive the emulator 254 when the steering assembly 320 is in the stowedposition, reducing cost. Since the hub 246 is eccentrically located onthe steering wheel frame 342, an instrument cluster opening 286 isvisible both when the steering assembly 320 is in the stowed positionand when it is in the unstowed position. In some embodiments, theinstrument cluster opening includes a display that electronicallydisplay vehicle information including for example and withoutlimitation, a vehicle speed, an engine oil temperature, and a vehiclefuel level.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a steering wheel assembly 420.Similar to the steering wheel assembly 220 shown in FIG. 5, the steeringwheel assembly 420 includes a stationary steering wheel frame 442 thatsupports an eccentrically mounted fixed hub (not shown). The steeringwheel frame 442 and the hub are supported by the steering columnassembly but do not rotate with the steering wheel rim 444.

In some embodiments, the frame 442 defines a substantially circularopening 441. In other embodiments, the opening 441 can be other shapes,such as oval. As discussed herein, the hub, such as the hub 246, iseccentrically located within the opening 441, that is, an axis passinglongitudinally through the hub 246 is parallel to the longitudinal axisof the opening 441.

The rim 444 is a rotatable surface at least partially covering the frame442. In some embodiments, the rim 444 is a flexible material covering atleast a portion of the frame 442. In some embodiments, the rim 444 is arigid material covering at least a portion of the frame 442. In someembodiments, the steering wheel assembly 420 includes a plurality ofbearings 443 disposed between the frame 442 and the rim 444. Thebearings 443 allow the rim 444 to rotate smoothly over the outer surfaceof the frame 442.

In some embodiments, a gear set 470 is coupled with the rim 444 and witha motor 457 of the emulator. In some embodiments, the gear set 470 is aninside engaged gear set, as discussed herein with respect to FIG. 5. Thegear set 470 consists of an inside engaged gear attached to the steeringwheel rim 444 and an outside engaged gear attached to the emulatoroutput shaft. External gear teeth on the emulator output shaft mesh withinternal gear teeth on the steering wheel rim 444. Emulator torquefeedback can be transferred to the steering wheel rim 444 through thegear set 470.

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may bemade to the herein-described embodiments the elements of which are to beunderstood as being among other acceptable examples. All suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included herein withinthe scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.Moreover, any of the steps described herein can be performedsimultaneously or in an order different from the steps as orderedherein. Moreover, as should be apparent, the features and attributes ofthe specific embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in differentways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scopeof the present disclosure.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/orstates. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and/or states are in any way, required forone or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

Moreover, the following terminology may have been used herein. Thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to anitem includes reference to one or more items. The term “ones” refers toone, two, or more, and generally applies to the selection of some or allof a quantity. The term “plurality” refers to two or more of an item.The term “about” or “approximately” means that quantities, dimensions,sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other characteristics neednot be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, asdesired, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, roundingoff, measurement error and the like and other factors known to those ofskill in the art. The term “substantially” means that the recitedcharacteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, butthat deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances,measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factorsknown to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do notpreclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format.It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely forconvenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly toinclude not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limitsof the range, but also interpreted to include all of the individualnumerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if eachnumerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration,a numerical range of “about 1 to 5” should be interpreted to include notonly the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but shouldalso be interpreted to also include individual values and sub-rangeswithin the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range areindividual values such as 2, 3 and 4 and sub-ranges such as “about 1 toabout 3,” “about 2 to about 4” and “about 3 to about 5,” “1 to 3,” “2 to4,” “3 to 5,” etc. This same principle applies to ranges reciting onlyone numerical value (e.g., “greater than about 1”) and should applyregardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics beingdescribed. A plurality of items may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary. Furthermore, where the terms “and” and “or” are used inconjunction with a list of items, they are to be interpreted broadly, inthat any one or more of the listed items may be used alone or incombination with other listed items. The term “alternatively” refers toselection of one of two or more alternatives, and is not intended tolimit the selection to only those listed alternatives or to only one ofthe listed alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended thatthese embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims.The words used in the specification are words of description rather thanlimitation, and it is understood that various changes can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Aspreviously described, the features of various embodiments can becombined to form further exemplary aspects of the present disclosurethat may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While variousembodiments could have been described as providing advantages or beingpreferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations withrespect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skillin the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics can becompromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which dependon the specific application and implementation. These attributes caninclude, but are not limited to cost, strength, durability, life cyclecost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability,weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. As such, embodimentsdescribed as less desirable than other embodiments or prior artimplementations with respect to one or more characteristics are notoutside the scope of the disclosure and can be desirable for particularapplications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A steering system for an automotive vehicle,comprising: a steering column assembly; a steering wheel assemblysecured to the steering column assembly, the steering wheel assemblycomprising a steering wheel frame, a steering wheel rim, and a hub; andan emulator enclosed within a housing, the emulator secured to thesteering column assembly; wherein the steering wheel frame and the hubare stationary and the steering wheel rim rotates relative to thesteering wheel frame and the hub.
 2. The steering system of claim 1,wherein the emulator comprises a gear set configured to transfer torquefrom the emulator to the steering wheel rim.
 3. The steering system ofclaim 1, wherein the steering wheel assembly further comprises aplurality of bearings positioned between the steering wheel rim and thesteering wheel frame such that the steering wheel rim rotates relativeto the steering wheel frame on the plurality of bearings.
 4. Thesteering system of claim 1, wherein the steering wheel frame iscircular.
 5. The steering system of claim 1, wherein the steering wheelframe is oval.
 6. The steering system of claim 2, wherein the gear setcomprises at least a first gear coupled to the steering wheel rim and asecond gear coupled to the emulator such that a reduction gear mechanismis applied between the emulator and the steering wheel rim.
 7. Thesteering system of claim 1, wherein the emulator is positioned adjacentto the steering wheel assembly.
 8. The steering system of claim 1,wherein the hub is eccentrically positioned relative to the steeringwheel frame.
 9. An automotive vehicle, comprising: a plurality ofvehicle wheels; a steering system comprising a steering column assembly;a steering wheel assembly secured to the steering column assembly, thesteering wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel frame, a steeringwheel rim, and a hub; and an emulator enclosed within a housing, theemulator coupled to the steering column assembly; wherein the steeringwheel frame and the hub are stationary and the steering wheel rimrotates relative to the steering wheel frame and the hub; wherein thesteering wheel assembly is positionable between a stowed position and anunstowed position; and wherein the steering system is connected to thevehicle wheels for steering the vehicle wheels.
 10. The automotivevehicle of claim 9, wherein the emulator comprises a gear set configuredto transfer torque from the emulator to the steering wheel rim.
 11. Theautomotive vehicle of claim 9, wherein the steering wheel assemblyfurther comprises a plurality of bearings positioned between thesteering wheel rim and the steering wheel frame such that the steeringwheel rim rotates relative to the steering wheel frame on the pluralityof bearings.
 12. The automotive vehicle of claim 9, wherein the steeringwheel frame is circular.
 13. The automotive vehicle of claim 9, whereinthe steering wheel frame is oval.
 14. The automotive vehicle of claim10, wherein the gear set comprises at least a first gear coupled to thesteering wheel rim and a second gear coupled to the emulator such that areduction gear mechanism is applied between the emulator and thesteering wheel rim.
 15. The automotive vehicle of claim 9, wherein theemulator is positioned adjacent to the steering wheel assembly.
 16. Theautomotive vehicle of claim 9, wherein the hub is eccentricallypositioned relative to the steering wheel frame.
 17. The automotivevehicle of claim 9, further comprising an instrument panel comprising agroove, wherein the steering wheel assembly fits within the groove whenthe steering wheel assembly is in the stowed position.
 18. Theautomotive vehicle of claim 17, wherein the steering wheel rim does notrotate relative to the steering wheel frame when the steering wheelassembly is in the stowed position.
 19. The automotive vehicle of claim17, wherein the instrument panel further comprises an instrumentdisplay, and wherein the steering wheel frame at least partiallysurrounds the instrument display when the steering wheel assembly is inthe stowed position.